Struggling Padres Pitcher Scratched From Next Start

With an 8.13 ERA and a 1.60 WHIP in his past seven starts, it's been a rough go of late for San Diego Padres left-handed starter Sean Manaea. Manager Bob Melvin now says they're going to give the pitcher a little time off to get his act together. 

The Padres will skip Sean Manaea’s next turn in the rotation, Bob Melvin says, with the anticipation he’ll make his next start after that. Manaea has made every start this year but has struggled in the second half. Will allow him to throw an extra bullpen or two, hone mechanics.

— AJ Cassavell (@AJCassavell) September 5, 2022

The Pads will be skipping Manaea's next start, though Melvin is hoping that the rest "rejuvenates" him, and gives him a chance to "hone (his) mechanics."

The pitcher's struggles have actually been going on for two-and-a-half months now.

Sean Manaea has a 7.01 ERA in his last 14 starts dating back to June 14th pic.twitter.com/MpORvvO1Eo

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) September 4, 2022

He has a 7.01 ERA in his last 14 starts going all the way back to June 14th. Before that, Manaea was pretty much as advertised, with a 3.52 ERA, actually 30 points below his career ERA in his previous six seasons in the majors with the Oakland Athletics. 

The Padres traded for Manaea just before the start of the season, sending prospects Adrian Martinez, a 25-year-old right-hander, and teenage infielder Euribiel Angeles to the A's.

Manaea earns $9.75M this season, and becomes an unrestricted free agent at the end of the year. 

The Padres could certainly use Manaea to rediscover his groove, as they currently cling to the 2nd Wild Card spot in the National League, just half a game ahead of the Philadelphia Phillies going into play on Monday, and only 2 games up on the Milwaukee Brewers who are currently on the outside looking in. 

Photos: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports, Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports